‘That’s too bad,’ said Jenny.
‘How’s Amira?’ said Arbor. ‘Is she fit to talk? I’m hoping she might give me some clues to help me convince them.’
‘Yeah, she’s fine today, Danny. Really good. I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to get her to open up. But you haven’t told the detectives about her?’
‘No. No way. I’m not sure I could now. I reckon it’s more than my job’s worth. Especially since we’ve been hiding her for days. But if I’m lucky, they’ll be gone tomorrow. I reckon I can bring her in any time after that and they’ll be none the wiser. I’ll see you in a couple of hours, all right? I’d best head back and give the sarge the impression I’m working.’
‘Okay, Danny. Oh, and Danny?’
‘What?’
‘Don’t forget your tools.’
But, of course, he had no tools. Why on earth would a young cop take his Sidchromes to his first posting? He wouldn’t. The suggestion that he would go anywhere near the rattling pipes had been a ruse, an effort to get himself just that little bit closer to Jenny. And he hoped that she knew that. He suspected that she did. He hoped, while trying his hardest to keep his mind out of the gutter, that she meant tools of a different kind.
With the sun warm on his shoulder and the tyres on bitumen delivering that familiar hum, he felt relaxed, for the first time in ages. He cast all worries away, trying to push thoughts of the station and what might lie in store over the next few days completely out of his mind. He thought instead about the coming year. The new year, he hoped, would bring new things. Although it would leave him with just ten months in Chatton, it was ten months, potentially, with Jenny.
Jenny and Amira were waiting when he arrived. Amira was sitting on one of the quads, pretending to ride. Jenny was standing in the sunlight. It had happened more than once before, Arbor noted. She had the delightful tendency of standing at such an angle that the sun shone directly through her dress, offering him a silhouette of what lay beneath. Nothing too stimulating, just enough to notice and to take his mind from conversation. He set his eyes on Amira instead and smiled at the obvious joy on her face.
‘That’s good to see,’ he said.
‘Yes, it is,’ said Jenny. ‘She’s been mucking about on that thing for the last hour or so. So what’s happening? You sounded pretty cut up on the phone.’
‘Ah, it’s those detectives,’ said Arbor. ‘I’ve just about had a gutful.’
Jenny laughed.
‘And what about you?’ she said. ‘Have you learned anything? Anything new?’
‘Yeah, I think so. I’ve got a sense that the Blairs are knee-deep in this Purity League thing. And I don’t know for certain, but I reckon there’s something else going on. Old Henry Hogg’s only built his bloody piggery on Salim’s land.’
‘Yeah, you said that.’
‘In either case, I think what I’ve got is motive good and proper. But, of course, no bloody evidence either way.’
‘Have you tried talking to them again? I mean, properly?’
‘No, I haven’t. Not yet. I told Burke and Cole what I’d worked out. But they just didn’t want to know. They were more interested in steak and chips than in solving a murder.’
‘So what’ll happen?’
‘I’ll be stuffed if I know,’ said Arbor. ‘I’ll chat with Amira this arvo. Perhaps something will come from that. And if I learn anything worthwhile, I’ll try the Ds again tomorrow. But I don’t think they’ll be in town much after lunch. They’re too keen to see the city lights again. And if we don’t have any answers by then, then I guess it’s all up to me. But, then, I don’t suppose I’ll get very far. I can’t see anyone, especially O’Reilly, listening to much I have to say.’
‘So, what? They’ll get away with it? Whoever did it?’
‘Yeah, it looks like it. You see, as I said, the problem is, I’ve really no proof. It’s all circumstantial. That’s why the Ds won’t listen to me. What I’d really like to do is to grill the Blairs. And Henry Hogg while I’m at it. But that’s simply not going to happen.’
‘Not unless Amira tells you something.’
‘That’s about the size of it. We can only hope, eh?’
Arbor did everything he could to make his conversation with Amira as relaxed as possible. With it getting late in the day, he thought the colours and warmth provided by the setting sun would offer an ideal ambience, so he chose for them to sit on the verandah on the west side of the house. And he asked Jenny to join them. She seemed uneasy to begin with, but finally agreed. Arbor was relieved, even more so when he saw her holding Amira’s hand. But this made him even more aware of his own lack of experience. He knew that extreme sensitivity would be needed and that he could do nothing that might frighten or upset the girl. He was thankful for his decision to make the visit alcohol-free. It just didn’t seem right, he had decided in the end. The refreshments Jenny had provided them – scones with cream and a jug of fresh lemonade poured into large Tupperware tumblers – seemed far more appropriate.
‘I reckon the last time I had lemonade like this,’ he began, ‘I would have been about five.’
Amira laughed.
‘Yeah, me, too,’ she said.
‘Are you feeling all right?’ Arbor asked.
‘Yes,’ said Amira. ‘I’m fine.’
‘Is it all right …?’ Arbor didn’t know where to start. ‘Is it all right if we have a bit of a chat? About what happened to you?’
‘Yes. Okay.’
‘You’ve been expecting this?’
Amira nodded.
‘Good. Now just so you know. This isn’t a formal interview or anything like that. Okay? It’s just a bit of a chin wag. If you feel uncomfortable, or if you want to stop at any point, that’s okay. I don’t want you feeling like you’re under pressure or that you have to keep giving me answers or anything like that. Do you understand?’
‘Yes, I do.’
‘Good.’
Arbor glanced towards Jenny. There was a look in her eyes he took as approval. He breathed a little easier.
‘Okay,’ he said. ‘From … Look, maybe it’s best if we start with you telling me what you remember. From the beginning, if you can. It might be easier that way. If I have any questions, I’ll just stop you.’
‘I don’t remember that much,’ said Amira. ‘Just bits and pieces.’
‘That’s all right,’ said Arbor. ‘Do you remember when the man, or was it men, grabbed you? Was it on Christmas Day?’
‘No. No, it wasn’t,’ said Amira. ‘It was the day before. I remember. Jacinta and I had been shopping in Ashby. I was at home, trying on my new clothes.’
‘So it was afternoon, then?’
‘Yeah. Jacinta and I had Maccas for lunch on the way home.’
‘Uh-huh.’
Arbor was speaking softly.
‘And your dad. Was he at home with you?’
‘No … No, he wasn’t. I didn’t see him until …’
‘Fair enough, Amira,’ said Arbor. ‘Take a minute.’
He waited for Amira to relax.
‘Your dad,’ he continued. ‘Do you know where he was?’
‘He had told me he was taking a drive out to Whitney,’ said Amira. ‘I don’t know why though.’
‘Uh-huh. Okay. So, this man. Or men. They came into the house?’
‘Yes. The back door was open. We always leave it open.’
‘And how many of them were there?’
Amira thought.
‘Two. Maybe three. At least two.’
‘And did you see them?’ asked Arbor. ‘Do you remember what they looked like?’
‘No, I don’t know,’ said Amira. ‘I didn’t see them. They put a bag over my head. And then they tied me up.’
‘So you wouldn’t have seen their car, then, either?’
‘No.’
‘Did you hear their voices?’ said Arbor. ‘What were they? Australian? Or were they foreign?’
‘Aussie. They
were Aussies.’
‘All of them?’
‘Yes. All of them.’
‘What about names? Did they call each other by name?’
‘No.’
‘Okay.’
Amira had her eyes lowered and was playing with her hands. Arbor looked to Jenny momentarily.
‘Was there anything else?’ he said. ‘Anything else you can think of?’
Amira looked up again.
‘No. Nothing I can think of.’
‘Never mind,’ said Arbor. ‘We’ll keep going, then. If it’s all right? Do you remember what happened next?’
‘I didn’t see anything,’ said Amira. ‘They kept the bag over my head. All the time. But we drove for a while. They took me into a shed. It was pretty near here. That was where …’
Amira stopped and looked towards Jenny.
‘That’s okay, Amira,’ Jenny said. ‘We understand. You don’t need to go there. We’ve a fair idea what happened.’
‘They … They …’
The girl burst into tears.
‘That was where … That was where … They took off the bag, but it was dark. But I could still hear him calling … shouting …’
More tears.
‘Danny …’ said Jenny.
‘Yeah, it’s okay, Amira,’ said Arbor. ‘Jenny’s right. Maybe we should stop there.’
‘No. No,’ said Amira, wiping her face. ‘I want to keep going.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, I’m sure.’
‘You didn’t … You didn’t see it, did you?’ said Arbor.
‘No. But I heard. They said things. Horrible things. They called him a Paki. A Paki prick. And they were asking him things. Things he couldn’t answer. I don’t know what they wanted. And then they did things. He screamed … and I heard them laughing afterwards.’
Arbor waited.
‘Then they took me outside.’
He felt the need to stop her, but thought otherwise. Amira took a breath and, gaining some composure, continued.
‘One of them untied me,’ she said. ‘I think he was going to … But he fell over. I kicked off my shoes and bolted.’
‘But you didn’t see them? Even then?’
‘No. I just kept running. But I …’
‘What?’
Amira hesitated.
‘He smelled.’
‘He smelled?’ asked Arbor. ‘What do you mean, he smelled?’
‘Of alcohol. That was the main thing. That was really strong. But there was something else, too. I’m not sure what it was. But it was something I’ve smelled before … I’m sorry, Danny. I just can’t say where.’
‘Never mind,’ said Arbor. ‘It might come to you.’
He let it sink in. Was it enough? Was it enough to put the Blairs or the Hoggs in the frame for the murder and abduction? Probably not. It was probably not even enough to compel Burke and Cole to have a second look at the case. He felt tantalisingly close and yet … nowhere. The truth was, he had nothing other than a gut feeling and a strange aroma. Good luck convincing anyone with that.
The girl was crying again. And Jenny’s expression said it all. Enough was enough.
‘Thank you, Amira,’ he said softly. ‘You’ve answered a lot of questions.’
The girl forced some words through her tears.
‘Was I all right?’ asked Amira. ‘Have I helped at all?’
‘Yes, you’ve done brilliantly.’
Amira looked to Jenny.
‘Do you mind if I go inside?’ she asked.
‘Of course not,’ said Jenny. ‘Come on. I’ll put the telly on for you.’
‘Thanks,’ said Amira. She lifted the last scone as they headed indoors.
Arbor poured himself another lemonade and soaked in the last of the sunlight.
‘So?’ asked Jenny, returning.
‘Yeah, I reckon I buggered that right up. I didn’t know what I was doing.’
‘I told you before, Danny,’ said Jenny. ‘Don’t second-guess yourself. You did fine. I don’t think those detectives would have done any better.’
‘I’m not so sure. They might have.’
‘Bullshit. Your instincts were right. They would have ripped her to shreds.’
‘Yeah. Maybe.’
‘I really don’t think anyone could have got any more from her, Danny,’ said Jenny. ‘Not just now, anyway. I mean, I’m sure she’ll remember a lot more as time goes on, but … for now. Did she give you enough to go on?’
‘Hardly,’ said Arbor.
‘What’s your thinking?’
‘I don’t know. I’m still leaning towards the Blairs. It’s all this NPL stuff. I mean, Gertie. It’s plain as day. And, well, they hardly hide their redneck ways, do they? Plus, they’re just stupid enough to do it on their own land.’
‘What about Hogg?’ asked Jenny.
Arbor grimaced.
‘Yeah, it’s not easy, is it?’ he said.
‘Then maybe another chat with the Blairs might help you,’ said Jenny. ‘Especially with old Matilda. But be warned. She’s as sharp as a tack, that one. And she’s the one that pulls the strings.’
‘I don’t know. I …’ said Arbor.
He felt wildly uncertain.
‘What’s wrong?’ said Jenny. ‘Is it the rest of them? Are you scared of them? Are you scared of Gertie?’
‘No, no,’ said Arbor. ‘Not really. I reckon I can handle them. It’s just … Ah, I just feel like I’m pushing shit uphill.’
‘You’re not going to give up, are you?’ said Jenny.
‘No. No, I’m not. Not yet, anyway.’
Jenny laughed.
‘Don’t fret it, Danny,’ she said. ‘We’ve a lot of faith in you. Anyway, forget about it for now. The lamb’s nearly ready.’
‘Yeah, lovely. I could smell it when I arrived.’
Jenny laughed again.
‘How do you think we feel?’ she said. ‘Amira and I have been smelling it for the last three hours. Come on. Grab the jug. Let’s see what she’s up to.’
Arbor stood and grabbed the jug and plate. Jenny stacked the tumblers.
‘Stop worrying, Danny,’ she said. ‘It’ll all be fine.’
She stroked his cheek, lingering just a little. It surprised Arbor. But he didn’t resist. He followed her arse all the way inside.
‘This is top shelf, Jenny,’ said Arbor. ‘It really is.’
He had claimed the last of the roast potatoes and was on to his second helping of lamb, pumpkin and beans.
‘I did say, didn’t I?’ he continued, mouth full. ‘That I haven’t had a meal like this since … since I left home, I reckon.’
‘And where is home, Danny?’ asked Jenny. ‘If you don’t mind me asking? You haven’t told us that much about yourself. Are you city born and bred?’
‘No. No way. That’s where people get me wrong. I’m not from Perth at all. Not really. Do you know Mandurah? Halls Head? It’s pretty much part of the city now, but when I was a kid … We practically lived on the estuary. Crabbing. Fishing. You know. Except for footy, of course. We always made time for footy.’
‘With your brothers and sisters?’
‘No. Mates. It’s just me.’
‘I figured it might be. You struck me as a bit spoiled. And Mum and Dad? Do they still live there? Your dad’s a plumber, I remember you saying.’
‘Yeah, that’s right. Still going strong. Both of them. They’ve just taken up bowls … Seriously, Jenny. This lamb is fantastic.’
‘What about you, Amira? Do you want any more?’
‘No. I’m waiting on dessert.’
‘What? Dessert, as well?’ said Arbor. ‘Ah, you didn’t tell me that. I wouldn’t have eaten so much.’
They laughed.
‘I’m sure you’ll manage some,’ said Jenny.
‘What is it, if you don’t mind me asking?’
‘Tiramisu.’
‘Yeah, I might manage some. Just a little, though. But
I really shouldn’t eat too much.’
‘You look fine, Danny. You don’t look like you’re carrying too much weight.’
‘Looks can be deceiving,’ said Arbor. ‘I’m already five kilos over my game weight.’
‘Really? I’d never have noticed.’
‘Too many burgers from Jack and Jill’s,’ Arbor laughed. ‘And too many choc milks.’
‘Danny?’
‘Yes, Amira?’
‘Those men. The men that … Do you know who they are?’
‘I’ve a fair idea. Yes.’
‘And are you going to arrest them?’
‘I’m going to try. Don’t worry. I’m doing everything I can to make sure they get what’s coming to them.’
Amira closed her eyes, thinking. Arbor and Jenny waited for her to speak.
‘I … I really miss my dad,’ she said.
The silence grew.
‘Is there something we can do for you, Amira?’ said Jenny.
Amira’s sudden smile caught them by surprise.
‘Yeah, I want … I want those potatoes that Danny has,’ she said.
Arbor and Jenny laughed.
‘I thought you were waiting on dessert,’ said Jenny.
‘I changed my mind.’
Arbor slid the potatoes onto her plate.
‘No worries, Amira,’ he said. ‘Help yourself. But does that mean I get your Tiramisu?’
‘No way,’ she said. ‘I don’t have a game weight.’
‘I’m not sure I can work her out.’
Arbor had his eyes on Amira. She had fallen asleep on the largest and softest of the two sofas.
‘I know what you mean,’ said Jenny. ‘One minute she’s in tears, the next she’s laughing like it’s … I guess it’ll take her time to process it all. I really don’t believe that what happened with her dad has really, I mean really, sunk in yet. Wait and see, Danny. Either way, I reckon she’s going to need some help. Professional, I mean. If she’s ever going to move on.
‘She won’t get that in Chatton.’
‘No, she won’t.’
‘I reckon she’s using that telly to put herself under,’ said Arbor. ‘I couldn’t believe some of that nonsense she was watching. And she was really getting into it.’
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